An alliance has been formed by the Opposition for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, known as INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance). Leaders from 26 Opposition parties convened in Bengaluru to strategize for the 2024 polls, with the aim of countering the ruling NDA alliance led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Popular media agencies obtained a document that emphasizes the alliance’s commitment to upholding the core principles of the Indian Constitution, including secular democracy, economic sovereignty, social justice, and federalism. Concerns were raised in the document regarding the alleged misuse of government agencies against political opponents, neglect of non-BJP governed states, the humanitarian situation in Manipur, and the pressing issues of escalating commodity prices and unemployment.
Furthermore, the document outlines the objectives of the Opposition alliance, which include combating hatred and violence directed towards minorities, addressing the rising crimes against women, Dalits, and Adivasis, advocating for fair representation of socially and economically backward communities, and initiating the implementation of the Caste Census.
The alliance consists of 26 opposition parties, both individually in power and through alliances, holding significant influence in Delhi and 10 states. The parties include Congress, Trinamool Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Aam Aadmi Party, Janata Dal (United), Rashtriya Janata Dal, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Nationalist Congress Party, Shiv Sena (UBT), Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Lok Dal, Apna Dal (Kamerawadi), Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation, Revolutionary Socialist Party, All India Forward Bloc, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Kongunadu Makkal Desia Katchi, Manithaneya Makkal Katchi, Indian Union Muslim League, Kerala Congress (M), and Kerala Congress (Joseph).
During the second day of the Opposition unity conclave in Bengaluru, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge clarified that his party was not driven by the desire for power or the prime ministerial position. He acknowledged the existence of differences among party members at the state level, which he claimed were not based on ideological disparities but could be set aside for the greater good of the people. Kharge highlighted the collective strength of the Opposition, comprising 26 parties and governing a total of 11 states. He criticized the BJP for leveraging the support of allies to secure a majority and subsequently disregarding their concerns. Kharge also took a jab at the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) meeting, suggesting that BJP leaders were attempting to reconcile with former allies. The primary objective of the Opposition meeting, as stated by Kharge, was to safeguard the Constitution, democracy, secularism, and social justice.
Kalyan Chandra
Kalyan chandra is a political strategist, media and communication consultant with the expertise in public relations, marketing, political research, election campaign management, psephology and digital analytics. He focuses on strategic political consulting, offering services that include competitive research, public opinion collection, and digital media management. Kalyan has significantly contributed to successful campaigns across India with his meticulous approach and deep understanding of the political landscape.
